The annual Mine Security conference will be attended by large scale mining companies, organs of state security, public and private security forces and technology providers. The theme of this year’s conference: Improving security risk management in SA by applying an integrated and multifaceted approach. The 2-day conference will take place on 25 & 26 June at the Indaba Hotel.  Stakeholders will collaborate on the deteriorating security conditions effecting mines and discuss united efforts to protect mineral resources and infrastructure through intelligence sharing and applying actionable interventions.

Reports indicate that there are approximately 2.7million private security guards registered in SA with 600 000 security offices being employed, this is in comparison with 176 180 police personnel with an estimated population of 63million(2023). Reports also show that Home Affairs deported a surge of over 46 000 illegal immigrants in 2024/25, which is more than France and Germany combined.  “Looking at these figures it clear that unless SA security forces work hand-in-hand to fight crime in SA we are facing a losing battle. Says Ankia Roux, organiser of the conference.  She adds: “Private security forces cannot act on a lone wolf basis, but need the backing of state security to make arrests.  Due to the lack of resources, private security plays a huge role, to especially prepare charges against illegal miners as a means to support successful arrests.  Eliminating barriers and uniting efforts is therefore key”

Fourteen experts specializing in Mine Security and risk mitigation will be speaking at the conference in June and include:

An opening address by Lt Gen Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, National Head The Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and currently the present chairperson that presides over the National Priority Crime Operational Committee, which convenes key stakeholders from organisations such as NPA, SIU, FIC, SARS, DPSA, SAPS, BMA, GCIS, DOJCD to name a few.  Lt Gen Lebeya will speak on understanding Organised Crime which is also the title of his authored book.

One of the top rated speakers from last year, Dr Lyle Pienaar will lead with the topic:  The need for an integrated and multifaceted mining security strategy from the SA government.  Dr. Pienaar, is the Executive for Risk and Security at Pan African Resources (PAR) – a mid-tier, multi-jurisdictional gold mining group based in South Africa.

A keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mandla Zembe, who is a Senior Leadership Team member (Security Executive) at Rio Tinto, Richards Bay Minerals and he will take a critical look into community engagement as a strategy to address security issues.   With over 35 years of experience in the security field, he holds multiple qualifications, including two master’s degrees and a doctorate in business administration, with a focus on community engagement as a strategy to address security issues.

Thys de Beer, the Group Security and Forensic Investigations Manager at Harmony Gold Mining Company, spearheading the company's efforts against illegal mining since 2016 and will speak on his practical experience by looking at unravelling Illegal Mining – tactical strategies and frontline lessons from 20 years of experience.

Dr. Riaan van der Westhuizen Manager Security, Radiation & Communities PALABORA COPPER (PALABORA MINING COMPANY) will evaluate the interaction between technology and security personnel and look at an optimised response. He is a radiation protection specialist, but has for the past 20 years also been responsible for the security operations at different mines.

Pieter Alberts Shared Forensic Capability, Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) will add his expertise by looking at leveraging financial intelligence and forensics to support the investigation and prosecution in combating financial crimes in the mining Industry. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, including roles in the South African Police Service's Commercial Crime Unit, Hawks and Deloitte's risk advisory forensic services, Pieter specializes in serious commercial and financial crimes.

Other key speakers and panellist include:

Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner Border Management Authority,

Mjr Gen Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, Provincial Head: DPCI Gauteng,  

Brigadier Steve van Zyl, Section Head National Keypoints and Border Security within the Component Counter and Security Intelligence Division Crime Intelligence, SAPS Head Office

Hulme Scholes, Director Malan Scholes Inc,

Johann Fourie, Bid Manager: Risk & Solutions, Bidvest Protea Coin,

Heico Kühn,  COO, UAV and Drone Solutions (UDS) - a Bidvest Aviation and Security Cluster

Theo Pouroullis CEO, Safer City Group. The conference will also showcase tech solutions and security enablers during exhibition and demonstrations.

The conference will be chaired by Professor Kris Pillay (PhD) Department of Criminology and Security Science School of Criminal Justice College of Law UNISA.

Stakeholders are encouraged to join the forum and look at ways to integrate unity, intelligence sharing and collaboration to manage illegal mining and minimize the negative impact it has on SA’s economic and social standing.  

To register or for a full programme email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or register online at www.pinpointstewards.co.za. Register 2 delegates, get the 3rd FREE before 1 June 2025.